Senior Mentor Series – Meet Erica Elsasser

Quite a few of my colleagues had been involved with Minds Matter at the time, including Mike Jones. I worked closely with Mike so I learned of Minds Matter through him and other colleagues. I was looking to stay more active in the community and thought that Minds Matter would be a good way to give back, so I decided to join.

How long have you been a volunteer?

I’ve been a volunteer for three years.

What do you like most about Minds Matter Cleveland?

I really like how well-organized Minds Matter Cleveland has become. The organization upholds a good mission and allows volunteers to have a lot of opportunities to help the community.

Who are your mentees?

My mentees are Melissa (Cleveland School of the Arts) and Kayla (Cleveland Central Catholic).

What surprised you the most about your mentees?

I think they are both so driven. It is truly impressive how they have been able to overcome their own challenges and develop bigger visions for their own lives.

What is/are the most rewarding part(s) of your mentoring experience?

The most rewarding part for me is seeing Melissa and Kayla grow every year and knowing that the program has helped them along the way. Minds Matter allows them to recognize their own potentials to change their economic situation and accomplish goals that they may not have been able to in the same way on their own!

How has Minds Matter Cleveland impacted your life?

Minds Matter enables me to see the difference in education quality available to students in certain areas comparing to the others. It has opened my mind! The rewarding feeling is something you can experience almost every weekend at Saturdaysessions, where you can see the progress being made right in front of you.

What does the future look like for your mentorship with the students and your involvement with Minds Matter Cleveland after graduation?

I hope to continue staying in touch with Melissa and Kayla after they graduate from Minds Matter!